According to a report by Max Henson at Panthers.com, the Panthers have hired veteran coach Ron Turner as a coaching consultant.
When asked for specifics on the role Turner will fill, Rivera had the following to say:
“He’ll work closely with the offense as far as evaluating the things that we’re doing, evaluating our opponents,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “And then he’ll also do some stuff for (defensive coordinator) Steve Wilks, looking at what we’re doing and explaining how people might try to attack our defense.
“He’s got a wealth of knowledge as a guy who coached at the NFL and college level for a number of years.”
Turner previously worked with Rivera and Wilks in Chicago as a part of the coaching staff that led the 2006 Bears to the Super Bowl. This is the first time Turner has worked in the NFL since 2012 when he was the QB coach for the Buccaneers.
Turner also has experience working with offensive coordinator Mike Shula and defensive line coach Eric Washington, so he should fit in nicely with the coaching staff.
Turner had the following to say about the opportunity:
"I've been around a lot of good players, but I don't think I've been around an offense with so many, starting with the quarterback," Turner said. "What Cam Newton can do is phenomenal. There's nothing he can't do. Olsen still looks as good as he did when he was a rookie and this is his 11th season.
"It's exciting just to be a small part of it. Just to be around it, observe it and watch it is going to be tremendous."
What do you think, Panthers fans? Does this hire make sense to you, or do you believe there’s no need for Turner’s services? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments.